Storms and rain can’t stop Peschiera’s islet celebration of local groups

Even the uncertain weather and no less than two thunderstorms managed to spoil the party held on the islet of Mandracchio on Friday evening, organized by the Associazioni arilicensi to celebrate the work of the Gruppo Ecologico di Peschiera.

For three years, this group has been involved in the recovery and maintenance of this strip of land outside the walls of the Fortezza Veneziana. Alpini, Civil Protection, Compagnia del Morbo, Remiera, Beato Andrea, and Pro loco: local volunteers, coordinated by the same Gep, chose ’60s music as a theme to invite the people of Peschiera to gather and reconnect with their municipal past, on an islet so dear to memories of youth.

Music and participation

An idea immediately embraced by those who wanted to take part, accepting the request to come dressed in a thematic outfit. The band’s live performance accompanied the evening: former Tornados Marco Attard and Luciano Benedetto Vallenari, on vocals and bass respectively; Fabio Cobelli, Antonio Recchia, and Diego Chiuppani, on drums, guitar, and keyboards for the Rugantino Band.

Around 8 p.m., the first violent downpour wet the initial guests, who were ferried across the short distance from the canal of Mincio to the islet using oar-powered boats.

After about twenty minutes of waiting under the overcast sky, music and dancing began. But just at the peak of the celebration, the feared “cold shower”: a second storm forced the impromptu islanders to seek shelter under large tents for about three quarters of an hour.

Fortunately, even this rain shower made way for the first stars peeking through the sky, now clear of clouds. The music was able to resume, warming the atmosphere and raising spirits.

Comments and reflections

“It was truly a wonderful evening,” commented Attard. “Thanks also to the impeccable organization. I believe that, legislation permitting, the islet could be used in this way and for the benefit of Peschiera’s associations: it’s a place of great charm, and reaching it only by these small boats makes it unique.”

Giuditta Bolognesi